The indictment accuses Sanders of stealing $132,600 from February 2005 to March 2008.

In a statement today, Brian Byrnes, managing director of the Tides Foundation, said a review of internal records in March uncovered evidence that an employees had diverted $45,000 a year over three years for his personal use.

"Within two days of being discovered the malfeasance was confirmed, the employee was dismissed and a police report was filed," Byrnes said. An independent auditor determined that money from only one fund was involved, and the amount was "quickly restored" through Tides' operating reserves, he said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Thomas, who filed the charge, declined to comment Wednesday.

Reached by phone, Sanders paused before saying, "I don't know what you're talking about," then hung up. Sanders' attorney, Robert Shepard, confirmed that his client was fired from Tides earlier this year but declined comment.

Sanders has coordinated the foundation's $10,000 Pizzigati Prize, an award given honor those who excel in public interest computing.